Sanchez shows his stuff
LOS ANGELES – USC coach Pete Carroll wore shades as he spoke to the media after Sunday's practice.
It was a sunny day, but Carroll also could have been wearing them because of the Trojans' bright future, especially at the quarterback position.
Sophomore backup quarterback Mark Sanchez got the majority of the snaps with the first team in USC's first practice in full pads as the first week of practice ended.
"We had a really good week and we just wanted to mix the guys up today," Carroll said. "Mark worked with the first guys quite a bit; we wanted to give (starter) John David (Booty) a break."
Sanchez took advantage of Booty's spring break, leading the first-team offense to several first downs during a controlled 11-on-11 scrimmage.
It was the former Mission Viejo star's second spring practice as a Trojan, and Sanchez said he feels that he can finally stop thinking and just start producing.
"I know what I'm doing now," he said. "I'm not so much looking at the routes anymore; I see the plays in my head. I can just go out and play, react and use my athletic ability."
Working with the first team was like working with the scout team from 2006, Sanchez said.
"I threw to them a lot last year. I spent my freshman year throwing to those guys on the scout team," Sanchez said. "It was a great opportunity to show the coaches that I can compete with John David. I wanted to show them (the coaches) that I could lead this team."
NOTES
Running back C.J. Gable didn't participate Sunday. Carroll said the running back has a minor foot injury and should return when the Trojans resume spring practice Tuesday. "He could've practiced today. He was dying to practice. He tried talking to the trainers but they wouldn't clear him," Carroll said. Fellow running back Stafon Johnson was a no-show. Carroll was not sure of his whereabouts.
Carroll highlighted a lowlight for the Trojans last season - the fullback position. Second-year freshman Stanley Havili has impressed Carroll with his athleticism. "He's picked it up and he's very natural. We've thrown a lot at him and he's picked it up," Carroll said. "He's done some advanced stuff and he's picked it up because he's such an athlete."
The Trojans also have gotten peeks at their distant future during spring. Several incoming freshmen, including quarterback Aaron Corp (Orange Lutheran), have made appearances at practice, trying to get a grasp of USC's system before enrolling in the fall. "I wanted to come and get used to the terminology," Aaron Corp said. "I go to the meetings and listen to the calls." Aaron Corp can't practice with the team, but he can be on the field during various quarterback sessions and he has access to the USC facilities. "It's a little frustrating (not being able to practice), but I'm just trying to learn as much as I can so, come June, I can be ready to go."
Several other members of the Trojans' extended family attended Sunday's practice, including the parents of the late kicker Mario Danelo and former players Willie McGinest and Sam Cunningham.
[More at www.ocregister.com ]
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